Designed in 1973 by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, the Cornaro Sofa is a sculptural study in proportion, material, and restraint. Its defining feature—a rigid wooden frame that wraps the seat like a structural exoskeleton—is softened by generous, high-density cushions and subtle details like exposed leather lacework. This piece is an original, produced by Simon Gavina (it was later reissued by Cassina), and the design reflects Scarpa’s distinctive approach: architecture translated into furniture, with an emphasis on joinery, geometry, and craft. Often cited as part of Scarpa’s “Ultrarazionale” period, Cornaro balances rigour and warmth, pairing formal clarity with tactile comfort. Its silhouette remains unmistakable—low-slung, enclosed, and architecturally composed. An enduring favourite among collectors, the Cornaro Sofa is more than seating—it’s a considered expression of modern Italian design.
